The programme is based on an ecological perspective on child development, learning, and functioning. A critical perspective focusing on the individual, the environment, and their interrelationship, is emphasized. The programme addresses everyday life situations of children in various settings, including family, preschool/school, hospital, and community, and the connection between research and practical, everyday work is stressed. The programme is open for international and domestic students. It is closely connected to the CHILD (Children-Health-Intervention-Learning- Development) research programme at the School of Education and Communication and the School of Health and Welfare at Jönköping University, and associated with the Swedish Institute for Disability Research (SIDR).

The applicant must hold the minimum of a bachelor’s degree (i.e. the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university) with at least 90 ECTS credits within health and care sciences, behavioral science, social work, disability research, or educational sciences, including independent, theoretical based work, i.e. a thesis or the equivalent work that demonstrates that the applicant has conducted independent, systematic research and formally written about this research (e.g. participation in work-based research; participation in research methods courses). Proof of English language proficiency is required.